US President Joe Biden has officially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing in two criminal cases, despite previous assurances that he would not intervene in his legal issues.
"No reasonable person who examines the facts of Hunter's cases can conclude anything other than that Hunter was targeted solely because he is my son — and that is unjust," President Biden stated in a release.
This action is likely to intensify scrutiny over the impartiality of the US judicial system, particularly amid incoming President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint loyalists to key positions at the FBI and Justice Department.
Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year for lying about his drug use during a firearm purchase, a felony, and had also pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion trial but had not yet been sentenced. President Biden had previously stated he would not pardon his son.
"I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I upheld my promise even as I witnessed my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted," President Biden said in Sunday's statement.
The pardon comes amid a standstill in criminal cases against President-elect Trump following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, effectively ensuring that Biden's Republican rival will likely avoid jail time despite his conviction for falsifying business records in May.
US presidents have historically used pardons to assist family members and political allies. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for past cocaine charges, and Trump pardoned his son-in-law's father for tax evasion, although both individuals had already served their sentences.
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in a tax evasion trial in September, potentially facing up to 17 years in prison. For the separate gun charge, he faced 25 years. His lawyers argued he was only prosecuted because of his presidential lineage.
Hunter has settled his back taxes and penalties with authorities and had previously reached a plea deal to avoid jail, but the agreement fell through at the last moment. His case has been a persistent issue for the Biden family, especially during this election year when Republicans accused Hunter of receiving lenient treatment.
President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris diminished the Republican fervor to make an example of his son. However, prosecutors seemed unwilling to grant any leniency, rejecting a plea where Hunter would admit guilt due to the high likelihood of conviction but maintain his innocence.
In a statement to US media, Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug addiction, said he would "dedicate the life I have rebuilt to aiding those who are still suffering."
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